Governors Island Celebrates Earth Day: A Day of Environmental Exploration and Engagement

Saturday, April 20, 2024
10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Governors Island, Colonels Row Green

Governors Island is hosting a comprehensive Earth Day event on Saturday, April 20th, 2024, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, offering a full day of activities centered around environmental education and stewardship. The event is free and open to the public, with pre-registration encouraged but not required for morning volunteer projects.

Morning Volunteer Opportunities (10am-12pm):

• Lend a hand to the Trust for Governors Island’s Horticulture Team with various ecological projects. Options include site preparation for a solarization effort, planting milkweed (critical for Monarch butterflies), removing invasive species, and cleaning up specific areas like Nolan Park and Liggett Terrace.
• Collaborate with NYC Audubon to create a bird-friendly glass mural, contributing to a more welcoming habitat for avian visitors.
• Assist the Bee Conservancy in removing invasive plant species that disrupt the vital role of bees in the ecosystem.
• Partner with the National Park Service to spruce up historic Fort Jay.
• Help Earth Matter care for the Governors Island Lavender Field, a fragrant and visually striking addition to the island.
• Participate in a focus group led by the Institute for Public Architecture, sharing your thoughts on “Finding Nature” in an urban environment.

Afternoon Celebration (1pm-3pm):

• Witness demonstrations by Duro UAS, RETI Center, and South Bronx Unite, organizations at the forefront of environmental initiatives.
• Gain valuable knowledge from Earth Matter on composting techniques and proper tree care.
• Engage in “Material PLAY” with the Institute for Public Architecture, exploring creative approaches to sustainable design.
• Brush up on your cycling skills with a Bike Skills 101 session led by Bike New York.
• View an exhibition showcasing the “Decolonized & Decarbonized Dinner Party” course by Parsons-The New School students, examining the intersection of food, sustainability, and social justice.
• Embark on a bird scavenger hunt organized by NYC Audubon, putting your birdwatching skills to the test.
• Learn the cyanotype printing process, an alternative photographic technique, in a workshop led by the Trust for Governors Island’s Horticulture Team.
• Gain insights into the Circular Economy with an introductory session and demonstration on circular economy manufacturing.
• Participate in a variety of activities with the Trust for Governors Island’s Horticulture Team, including planting milkweed, creating seed balls for future plantings, and contributing to a collaborative mural project.
• Join NYC Audubon on an Early Spring Migration Bird Outing, observing the return of feathered visitors to the island.
• Explore the island with informative tours led by the New York Climate Exchange.

This Earth Day event offers a diverse range of activities suitable for all ages and interests. Whether you’re passionate about giving back through volunteer work, eager to learn new skills, or simply enjoy spending time outdoors and connecting with nature, Governors Island has something for you.